Code of Alabama - Title 13A: Criminal Code - Section 13A-9-1 - Definitions

Section 13A-9-1 - Definitions.

The following definitions are applicable in this article unless the context otherwise requires:

(1) WRITTEN INSTRUMENT. Such term means:

a. Any paper, document or other instrument containing written or printed matter or its equivalent; and

b. Any token, stamp, seal, badge, trademark or other evidence or symbol of value, right, privilege or identification,

which is capable of being used to the advantage or disadvantage of some person.

(2) COMPLETE WRITTEN INSTRUMENT. One which purports to be a genuine written instrument fully drawn with respect to every essential feature thereof.

(3) INCOMPLETE WRITTEN INSTRUMENT. One which contains some matter by way of content or authentication, but which requires additional matter in order to render it a complete written instrument.

(4) FALSELY MAKE. To "falsely make" a written instrument means to make or draw a complete written instrument in its entirety, or an incomplete written instrument, which purports to be authentic creation of its ostensible maker, but which is not either because the ostensible maker is fictitious or because, if real, he did not authorize the making or drawing thereof.

(5) FALSELY COMPLETE. To "falsely complete" a written instrument means to transform, by adding, inserting or changing matter, an incomplete written instrument into a complete one, without lawful authority, so that the completed written instrument falsely appears or purports to be in all respects an authentic creation of its ostensible maker or authorized by him.

(6) FALSELY ALTER. To "falsely alter" a written instrument means to change, without lawful authority, a written instrument, whether complete or incomplete, by means of erasure, obliteration, deletion, addition or transportation of matter, or in any other manner, so that the instrument so changed falsely appears or purports to be in all respects an authentic creation of its ostensible maker or authorized by him.

(7) FORGED INSTRUMENT. A written instrument which has been falsely made, completed or altered.

(8) INTENT TO DEFRAUD. A purpose to use deception, as defined in Section 13A-8-1(1), or to injure another person's interest which has value, as defined in Section 13A-8-1(14).

(9) PROPERTY. Such term is defined as in Section 13A-8-1(10).

(10) SERVICES. Such term is defined as in Section 13A-8-10(b).

(11) GOVERNMENT. Such term is defined as in Section 13A-8-1(5).

(12) UTTER. To "utter" means to directly or indirectly offer, assert, declare or put forth a forged instrument as genuine.

(Acts 1977, No. 607, p. 812, §4001.)

Last modified: May 3, 2021